The Government of Japan continues to provide systematic assistance in the recovery of Ukraine. As part of the cooperation between the two countries, Japan has announced the transfer of 1800 gabions – protective structures for critical infrastructure objects – to Ukraine.
The first 320 of these gabions have already been delivered. The handover ceremony took place with the participation of Deputy Minister of Community Development, Territories, and Infrastructure of Ukraine, Olexandra Azarkhina, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine, Kuninori Matsuda, and Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Ukraine, Satoshi Sugimoto.
"Ensuring the first level of protection for critical infrastructure requires coordinated efforts of the government, international partners, and operators of critical infrastructure. Thanks to the partner assistance of the Government of Japan, we have received additional capabilities for passive protection of important infrastructure objects. This is extremely important for strengthening Ukraine's resilience in wartime conditions. We appreciate Japan's reliable and consistent support in providing necessary communal equipment to war-affected communities, managing waste from destruction, humanitarian demining, and protecting critical infrastructure," said Deputy Minister Olexandra Azarkhina during the handover.
The gabions will be distributed among all linear-production administrations of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine. Specifically, this applies to the frontline regions that require the most protection for their critical objects. The rest of the gabions will be received by the Gas Transmission System Operator in the near future. The protective structures will be installed immediately upon arrival at the sites to enhance protection against attacks.